Exploring Issues in Eldersburg: Legislative Redistricting

Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9, is fighting the new proposed legislative map presented to the president of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Delegates by Gov. O'Malley this week. 

The proposed map puts Carroll County at a disadvantage, according to Krebs, from four down to three. 

“This proposal leaves two of our largest growth areas the Eldersburg and Sykesville area and Mount Airy represented by delegates from other counties and no resident senator or delegate from Carroll County,” said Krebs.

It moves the Town of Sykesville into a Howard County district and splits the Eldersburg Census Designated Place boundaries in half along Route 26, putting half the 26,062 population into a new three-member Carroll County District and half in a Howard County District across the Patapsco River.

Some local residents believe this is unfair.

"This redistricting plan is ridiculous and absolutely disenfranchises Eldersburg and Sykesville, lessening our representation," said Ross Dangel. "Let the Governor know this is a bad plan that will hurt our community." 

"There doesn't seem to be any logical reason for this redistricting, except a 'power grab' of representation from Carroll County," said Kathy . "Carroll is already treated like a stepchild of Maryland. Whatever your political leanings, it is not fair to divide the county like this for the sake of manipulating votes." 

What do you think about the proposed map?